Local Tips
Our staff knows just where to go!
Getting off the beaten path and discovering hidden gems is one of the wonders of travel. But how do you find those special places? Ask a local. Hotel Palomar Chicago helps you make the most of your Chicago stay by sharing our staff's favorite picks and insider tips.
We asked our intrepid staff: If you had only two days in Chicago, what would you do? Take a peek, have some fun and Live Like a Local.
Eat
Freida Huggins - Local for 6 years
Catering Sales and Private Dining Event Manager
• Sweet Maple Café - As a southern belle, I have a soft spot for biscuits! Theirs are, hands down, the best in the city.
• Café Ba Ba Reeba - This Spanish tapas restaurant is the best in the city. Don’t leave without trying the paella!
Drink
Mike Ryan - Local for 10 years
Head Bartender, Sable Kitchen and Bar
• The Barrelhouse Flat - late night cocktails, food and all around good times.
• Delilah's - Whiskey, punk rock, and more whiskey.
Wellness
Nabil Moubayed - Local for 14 years
General Manager
• Running along the Lakefront - It’s always amazing to see the city from so many different angles, no matter what the weather and the path goes for miles North and South.
• Millennium Park – Ice skating in the winter and free group workouts in the summer. It’s a great place to get your blood flowing!
Retail Therapy
Denise Schultz - Local for 6 years
Director of Sales
• Shops @ Armitage & Halsted - This historic Chicago area is considered one of the city’s most desirable neighborhood because of the charming tree lined streets.
• The Magnificent Mile - The shopping is top notch along Michigan Ave. It has everything from Burberry and Versace to H&M and the Gap!
Play
Michael Reyna - Local for 6 years
Front Office Manager
• Concerts in Chicago – Whether it’s the House of Blues, The Riveria, or The Vic, there plenty of amazing venues to see a concert.
• Summer Festivals – There is nothing better than going to neighborhood festivals during the summer.
One of a Kind
Joe Pagone - Local for 31 years
Assistant General Manager
• The The Chicago French Market Chicago finally has its first and only year-round, indoor marketplace providing you with permanent, convenient and personal access to local artisans and purveyors.
• The Chopping Block - Chicago's largest recreational cooking school and gourmet retail store, offers demonstration and hands-on cooking classes, wine classes & private cooking parties.
